EmailGas or electric, plus new dryer features
Experts say that drying technology is fairly standard at this point, and clothes dryers from all price ranges do well in tests. The basic difference between dryers today is whether their air is heated with gas or electricity. Gas dryers require a gas hookup, and these appliances are more expensive (often $50 to $100 more) than electric clothes dryers, depending on the brand. However, gas dryers are less expensive to run and can save consumers more money on their utility bills (assuming that natural gas prices remain lower than electricity rates).
One advantage of electric dryers is that they often have more venting options (four-way venting) than gas dryers. Four-way venting allows more installation options because the dryer vent can extend from the front, back or either side of the dryer. Gas dryers usually have fewer venting options because of their installation requirements, although you can find some gas models with three-way venting.
The most basic clothes dryers can be found for around $300 to $600. Higher-priced dryers add features such as specialty steam cycles or stainless-steel drums. Some experts say stainless-steel drums are more durable than the porcelain or powder-coated steel drums found on cheaper dryers, but otherwise there appears to be little difference in drying performance between the two. Inexpensive dryers also include dial controls rather than digital control panels. Dial controls may be simpler to use because they lack complicated menus or lots of buttons, but many users say the digital kind is easier to read. However, we also saw reports that the sensitive buttons on digital control panels can be easy to press accidentally.
More expensive dryers also feature designer colors and advanced styling, often matching that of a companion washing machine. When shopping for a dryer, many consumers feel a strong compulsion to buy a machine that matches an existing or new washing machine -- though from a performance viewpoint, there's little reason to do so. In fact, buying an inexpensive dryer is a good way to justify spending more on a washing machine, where there's a greater difference between models with respect to performance, energy efficiency and reliability. Most dryers include a one-year warranty, although some manufacturers offer longer coverage for specific components, such as the control panel. Extended warranties are available, but just as with washing machines, experts say they're rarely a good deal because they tend to be expensive and there's no guarantee the dryer will break within the warranty period.
One feature that is often recommended by experts, including EnergyStar.gov, is a moisture sensor. With this feature, the dryer measures when the clothes are dry and shuts off automatically, saving energy. Most clothes dryers include a moisture sensor these days -- including all of the dryers listed in our Best Reviewed chart -- but some inexpensive dryers skip the feature. Not only do moisture sensors save energy, but they also reduce the risk of over-drying, which can damage or shrink fabrics and create static electricity. While this feature comes highly recommended from experts, we saw many user complaints that dryers with this feature leave bulky items slightly damp, such as jeans or thick blankets. To prevent this, ConsumerReports.org recommends cleaning the metal strips on the moisture sensor (located on the interior of the dryer) regularly with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. This removes any buildup or film from fabric softeners and detergents that can interfere with the sensor.
Another common cause of damp clothes is a mismatch in capacity between the washer and dryer. Make sure you buy a dryer that can handle as much as your washer can, or you'll have to split clothes into two loads for drying. The dryer should have twice as large a capacity as the washing machine, so if you have a 3.5-cubic-foot washer, you'll need a 7-cubic-foot dryer.
The following is what experts say about choosing a dryer:
- Look for a dryer with a moisture sensor. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically turns off the heat when clothes are dry. It dries laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. A moisture sensor can also save you money in the long run by being more energy efficient and reducing wear and tear on your clothes.
- Drying racks are surprisingly useful. A drying rack keeps items from tumbling while the dryer runs and many owners say they love this extra. Although the most common use is for drying sneakers, it can also be used to protect bras and other delicates from damage.
- Larger dryers with extra tumbling room and airflow produce fewer wrinkles and faster drying times. Many dryers now have 7-cubic-foot drums or larger. Some models now have a reversible tumbling sequence that helps to untangle clothes and accelerate drying times. However, dryers with smaller drums will do as good a job as long as load sizes are appropriate.
- Choosing electronic touch-pad controls versus rotary dials is mostly a matter of preference, although electronic controls can be more repair-prone. Most low-priced dryers have rotary controls. However, many owners say that digital control panels are easier to use.
- Consider your laundry room and venting setup when buying a dryer. You'll want to measure the distance between your vent and dryer. Some dryers offer extended venting of up to 200 feet (standard venting is up to 64 feet) and three- or four-way venting for tight installations. Many dryers can also be stacked with a front-loading washer to save space, but you'll need to buy the matching washer and a stacking kit.
- Matching washer/dryer sets look nice, but don't usually offer other advantages. Unless you want to stack your washer and dryer -- or you're getting a substantial discount for buying a set -- there's little reason to buy a matched set other than aesthetics.
- Electric dryers generally require their own 240-volt electric line. Gas dryers usually use a 120-volt line. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications and make sure that you have the necessary outlet and wiring in your home. Some electric dryers will run on a 220-volt outlet.
- Keep safety in mind. According to ConsumerReports.org, more than 13,000 residential fires are linked to dryers each year (many are caused by buildup in lint filters or venting systems). To avoid problems, experts suggest some simple precautions. Remove debris from your lint filter after every use. Use some water and a scrub brush every three months to remove additional residue from fabric softeners or detergents. Regularly inspect the dryer vent and exhaust system to make sure no lint is trapped. In addition, experts recommend using rigid metal ducts for dryers rather than the flexible foil kind, which trap lint more easily.